Stress is very prominent on college campuses. Which is causing multiple problems to arise such as: 41% of student’s drop out due to stress from finances, balancing work/school, and family issues. Another issue is suicide rates are rising each year and the main cause of it is stress. According to American College Health Association (ACHA) the suicide rates among young adults, ages 15 – 24 has tripled. It is the second most common death in college students. There are some ways to handle stress, each person is different but most students see a difference in themselves when they practice these three different ways of handling stress.
The first step is to take care of your body. Your body is what provides you energy to get through the day, so it is good to provide it with right amount of sleep and nutrition that it needs. Get the required amounts of sleep 7 to 9 hours. National sleep foundation says to turn off electronics an hour before bed because, using electronic devices before bedtime can be physiologically stimulation in ways that can affect your sleep. Eat healthier and consume more green vegetables, yogurt, fruit, and oats. Explore ways to reduce stress such as, yoga or meditation.
The second step is to get regular exercise. This step goes along with the first step but many believe that if you eat right then you don’t have to exercise, this belief has caused me to make this into a separate paragraph. Exercising Reduces stress levels, depression, and anxiety. It helps decrease the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and can also help someone with insomnia. In order to balance your sleep and your bodies nutrition level you need to exercise, even if it is something small.
The final step is to stay organized. Buy a notebook and folder for each class. Have labels on each item, separating which item goes to which class. As you are taking notes try using the Cornell method, outline method, the boxing method, or etc... to keep information organized for studying on upcoming test. Have a book bag or back pack to keep everything organized and easy to access.
If you take care of your body, get regular exercise, and stay organized it should help you manage and lower your stress. These methods may not get rid of stress completely but it should help lower it and make it easier to cope with. If stress persist and suicidal thoughts start to occur, please make an appointment with a therapist or call your local suicide prevention line. There is someone out there who cares, so please don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.
